Michael Steven Premich

Michael Steven Premich Jr., born May 2, 1949, passed away peacefully in Carbondale, Colorado on the evening of February 12, 2026, at the age of 76. He was surrounded by Joyce Premich, his loving wife of 54 years, his surviving children, and his grandchildren.

Michael, known to many by Mike and affectionately by friends as “Prim,” was born in Greensburg and grew up in Yukon Pennsylvania with his parents, Michael George Premich and Marie Kishner Premich, and his brother, Steven Premich. Mike graduated from Southmoreland High School in 1967, and friends and family recall Mike’s rambunctious and joyful tales of childhood. Mike went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

In 1969, Mike met Joyce Ann Yelinek through mutual friends. Mike married Joyce in 1971 in Yukon, Pennsylvania at Seven Dolors Catholic Church. They went on to have 3 children. He was an adventurous and loving parent, taking Beth and Mike III on many excursions.

The allure of the Rocky Mountains, with its world-class access to hunting and fishing, drew Mike and his family to the Roaring Fork Valley in the fall of 1980. Mike supported his family by working in the Mid-Continent coal mine and later as a Project Superintendent in the construction industry.

Starting in the early 2000s, Mike and Joyce welcomed several grandchildren into their lives: Wyatt Bair, Mason and Leela Smetzer, Penelope and William Premich. Mike would regularly bring his grandchildren along on fishing trips and made even the most mundane errands, such as going to the dump or picking cherries for pies - an anticipated affair of sodas, candy, and cherished quality time.

Mike loved social and active pursuits such as hunting in the [mountains here] and fishing in the Crystal River, Blue Mesa Reservoir near Gunnison, and the headwaters of the Columbia River in Oregon. He was also an infamous Pittsburgh Steelers fan - and perhaps their greatest supporter west of the Ohio River. His game-day celebrations teaming with friends, cheer, and Kielbasa were a permanent fixture of the Premich’s households Sunday afternoons.

Mike’s last years were at times arduous due to his diagnosis of Lewy body dementia, yet peaceful and filled with things he loved - rewatching favorite films, walking his childrens’ dogs, and reminiscing with his adoring family in the house that he built.

Mike’s life was a thriving watershed of stories worthy of their own book titles and an array of friends and family, for which he cared deeply. He was grateful for the moments he shared, and we will hold his memories close.

Mike is preceded in death by his and Joyce’s daughter, Kristin Premich, born in 1973, she lived three wonderful years with her parents. He is also preceded by his parents Michael George Premich and Marie Kishner Premich.

He is survived by his brother Steven Premich, his wife Joyce Premich, his children Beth Smetzer (Dan Smetzer) and Michael Premich III (Sarah Premich), his grandchildren listed above, and many nieces and nephews.

Mike’s family plans to hold a celebration of life for him in the summer of 2026. They ask those that wish to remember Mike not send flowers but consider donating to Hospice of the Valley in Glenwood Springs, who helped care for Mike during his final days.